Article
Diabetic Neuropathy Supplement: What the Health Agencies Say
A diabetic neuropathy supplement is a product sold alongside care for diabetes nerve damage, not in place of it. The ADA says keeping blood glucose on target is your best line of defense. NCCIH says most supplements lack evidence of benefit. Talk to your diabetes care team before adding one.
Written by the Flow Nerves label deskUpdated · 4 min read
The condition
What is diabetic neuropathy?
Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage that can occur in people with diabetes. NIDDK says high blood glucose and high blood fats over time can damage nerves (NIDDK, Diabetic neuropathy).
Symptoms range from numbness and pain in the feet to problems with organs such as the heart and bladder. The ADA says it affects about half of all people with diabetes (ADA, Neuropathy and diabetes). A clinician diagnoses it with an exam and nerve tests (MedlinePlus, Diabetic neuropathy).
What agencies say
Do health agencies recommend a supplement for diabetic neuropathy?
The pages we read do not recommend a supplement for diabetic neuropathy. NCCIH says that for most supplements there is no evidence of a benefit on diabetes or its complications, and that some can interact with diabetes medicines (NCCIH, Diabetes and supplements).
| Source | What it says |
|---|---|
| ADA | Keeping blood glucose on target is your best line of defense (ADA, Neuropathy and diabetes) |
| NCCIH | Alpha lipoic acid studies are limited and give no clear conclusions (NCCIH, Diabetes and supplements) |
| CDC | Call your doctor about burning, tingling or weakness that disrupts sleep or daily life (CDC, Diabetes and nerve damage) |
Safety
When should diabetic nerve symptoms not wait?
Some symptoms need urgent care, not a supplement. A foot sore that will not heal or looks infected needs a doctor, as do dizziness, fainting or sudden changes in digestion or urination (CDC, Diabetes and nerve damage).
- Sudden weakness or numbness on one side, trouble speaking, chest pain, trouble breathingThese can signal an emergency. Do not wait.Call 911
- Swelling of the lips, face or throat, hives, or trouble breathing after a supplementAllergic reactions to butcher's broom can be serious, WebMD says. Stop and call 911.Call 911
- Confusion, shaking, sweating or a very fast heartbeat if you take diabetes medicineThese can be signs of low blood sugar, and very low blood sugar needs treatment right away, NIDDK says.Call 911
- New tingling, weakness or pain in your hands or feetMayo Clinic says to seek medical care right away. Early diagnosis gives the best chance of managing symptoms.See a doctor
- A foot sore that is infected or will not healCDC lists it among the reasons to call your doctor if you have diabetes.See a doctor
- Falls, lost coordination or muscle weaknessMayo Clinic lists them as symptoms to have checked.See a doctor
- Burning, tingling or pain that disrupts your day or your sleepCDC says to call your doctor, and to keep notes on the symptoms to share.See a doctor
- Changes in digestion, urination or sexual function, dizziness or faintingCDC lists these with nerve damage in people with diabetes.See a doctor
Signs from (Mayo Clinic, Peripheral neuropathy) and (CDC, Diabetes and nerve damage). This list is not complete, and a supplement is never a reason to wait.
Flow Nerves
Is Flow Nerves a diabetic neuropathy supplement?
No. The label says "NERVE SUPPORT*" and does not mention diabetes or neuropathy. No study of the product exists in our sources.
Alpha lipoic acid can lower blood sugar and may add to diabetes medicine (MSK, Alpha-lipoic acid). If you use insulin or diabetes pills, ask your doctor or pharmacist first, and keep taking your medicine.
FAQ
Flow Nerves questions people ask
Is there an approved supplement for diabetic neuropathy?
No source we read recommends one. The ADA names glucose control as the best defense (ADA, Neuropathy and diabetes). Ask your care team what they advise.
Can alpha lipoic acid affect blood sugar?
Yes. MSK says it may add to diabetes medicine, and high doses can cause low blood sugar symptoms (MSK, Alpha-lipoic acid). Ask your doctor before taking it.
Can I take Flow Nerves with diabetes medicine?
Ask your doctor or pharmacist first. Alpha lipoic acid and coenzyme Q10 have documented links to diabetes medicines (MSK, Alpha-lipoic acid)(NCI, Coenzyme Q10).
What are signs of low blood sugar?
Shakiness, hunger, tiredness, dizziness, confusion or a fast heartbeat (NIDDK, Low blood glucose). Very low blood glucose needs treatment right away.
Should I stop my medicine for a supplement?
No. Keep taking prescribed medicine and never change it because of a supplement. Talk to your doctor first.
Who wrote this
Written and reviewed by
Pages built from the label, the brand panels and linked NIH, FDA, CDC, FTC and peer-reviewed sources.
Last updated . Read our editorial standards and how we check reviews. This website is the information site for a U.S. stocking partner for Flow Nerves. It is not the manufacturer or a distributor named on the label. We earn money when you buy through our order links.
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